Kansas City Kings wheelchair basketball team heading to national tournament
By Alan Shope
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KANSAS CITY (KMBC) — The Kansas City Kings wheelchair basketball team is preparing to compete for a national championship after a dominant season on the court.
The team practiced this week at Hy-Vee Arena ahead of a trip to Louisiana, where they will compete in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association’s National Tournament.
The Kings roster includes 15 players, six of whom are high school seniors. The team is currently ranked No. 2 in the nation and recently captured the Northern Conference championship.
Players say the friendships they’ve built along the way are just as meaningful as the competition.
“It’s probably the friends I’ve made,” said John Pittman, 17. “It’s difficult at first, but once you get used to it, it becomes easier.”
For many players, wheelchair basketball provides the chance to compete at a high level while connecting with teammates who share similar experiences.
“It’s just like an able-bodied kid being able to compete with other athletes,” said Karson Henderson, 15.
The team says strong chemistry has been a key factor in its success.
“Not only are we friends and have great chemistry, but we also have a lot of different play styles that work really well together,” said Isaac Murdock, 15.
Senior Isiah Barr, 18, said the sport has helped players build lasting connections.
“It helps us create friendships that last, people we can talk to and relate to about the things we go through in everyday life,” Barr said.
The Kings have lost only two games this season and are expected to be one of the top seeds when tournament selections are announced.
Head coach Matt Bollig said the program gives athletes an important opportunity to showcase their abilities.
“These kids don’t always have as many avenues as other kids growing up,” Bollig said. “This is their chance to excel and show their athleticism.”
For players like Anderson Strom, 17, the opportunity to compete is what matters most.
“It’s just the opportunity to be active in the community and compete,” Strom said.
Only 16 teams qualify for the national tournament, giving the Kansas City Kings a chance to compete for the program’s biggest title.
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